Reproductive efficiency

Sheep have the potential for multiple births.

Therefore, select #twins for replacements when possible.

With good management, mortality of twins should not be much higher than that of singles.

Measures of reproductive efficiency include age at puberty, fertility, #lambing rate, and #length of the breeding season. #Reproduction in sheep is strongly influenced by the environment. By most estimates, the heritability of reproductive rate is low, but breed differences exist. Fine-wool breeds are highly fertile and have been used successfully in crossbreeding programs to improve reproductive rate. Breeds that have been used under intensive management systems to increase lambing rate include the Finnish Landrace, Border Leicester, and Suffolk as well as Merinos, Dormers and Dohne Merinos.

Eskom Carnage on Vultures Continues

Vultures in Africa are decreasing at an alarming rate with multiple threats causing a steep decline in their numbers. One of these being the negative impact the Eskom grid has on the survival of the vultures. Cape Vultures are classified as regionally endangered and globally vulnerable with under 4000 breeding pairs left. 

The Cape Vulture is the only endemic vulture species in southern Africa and has already become extinct as a breeding species in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Swaziland.

Eskom has a history of re-active mitigation as opposed to pro-active mitigation and continues to operate largely in this manner. Despite numerous pleas for this attitude to change, this manner of ‘treating’ the problem continues to operate. It is now more than ever, vital that Eskom becomes more active in preventing the total decline of all vulture populations in Southern Africa.

The recent discovery of another four Cape vultures, found electrocuted by the Eskom distribution network in the Eastern Cape recently, should ring alarm bells for the environmental management division of Eskom. 

The Eskom network of power lines wields a detrimental effect on the Vultures (specifically the Cape vulture) and Raptors populations with many of the birds being either maimed or electrocuted. Other species affected by this power line network include species like the cranes, bustards and storks. 

Recommendations to Eskom range from insulation of exposed jumpers, cutting of earth-wires, covering post insulators with an insulation cover (Raptor protector), putting up bird-flappers (to make the line more visible for the birds to see), putting up bird guards

During 2015, Vulpro has been inundated with maimed birds due to a direct negative interaction with the Eskom network. A large percentage of these birds collide with the infrastructure resulting in permanent wing damage. The majority of these vultures will never be able to be released. In addition to this, a large number of electrocuted birds have been reported. Should this trend continue, the Cape Vulture in particular, will face imminent extinction. 

Vulpro will continue to tackle conservation of African vulture populations for the benefit and well-being of society, however, expects that Eskom will improve their approach and attitude towards improving the status of their infrastructure to minimize the negative effect it is having on the vulture populations of South Africa.

For more information, please contact:

Kate Webster

Cape Vulture in Crises

Vulpro

045 839 4716

Real hunters support responsible utilization of free ranging game

Recent events in the wildlife and hunting arena spurred worldwide condemnation of certain practices, latest of which was the shooting of a collared lion in Zimbabwe. 

It placed the spotlight on hunting and prompted responsible hunters that put conservation of nature and natural resources first and foremost, to call upon all hunters to refrain from participating in unacceptable hunting and associated practices.  

The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA) only supports hunting of wild animals in their natural state and in their natural habitat. SAHGCA members are diametrically opposed to the intensive and selective breeding of game animals of all species solely for hunting purposes, as it is incompatible with the definition of hunting.

Efforts to justify the intensive breeding of any species for hunting purposes are none other than defending unacceptable practices. Such practices have already tainted the country’s image as a hunting destination. South Africa’s neighboring countries capitalize on our poor image and lure overseas hunters with a promise of free roaming game to be hunted in real safari fashion. This has a negative impact on local game ranchers that still offer safari style hunting according to responsible hunting principles.

Although eco-tourism and hunting on extensive areas (that far exceed the area under formal protection) in Africa play a major role in conservation and rural economies, it is time for hunters to do introspection. Not only is the reputation of hunting at risk, but also the reputation of the country that is supposed to be a leader in the field of conservation. Irresponsible hunting practices, luring of game animals from reserves into hunting areas, put and take practices and intensive breeding of game animals for hunting do not bode well for the future of hunting.

Members of the SAHGCA have grave concerns about the negative biodiversity impacts of these practices and call on government to fulfill their constitutional obligations as Trustee of our wildlife heritage. It must ensure that while promoting justifiable socio-economic development, the environment is protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent ecological degradation, promote conservation and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources. In this, incentives should be developed for extensive game farmers that not only contribute to the economy, but that also make a huge contribution to South Africa reaching its conservation targets.

SAHGCA also calls on hunters, professional hunters and outfitters to uphold the principles of responsible hunting. It is impossible to defend hunting in the wake of recent events in the hunting arena that shook the world. We make no distinction between ungulates and predators in this regard. Should we hope to sustain hunting for the foreseeable future; hunters need to refocus their practices on responsible hunting of wild animals in their natural state. The fact that we still have many game ranches and reserves with free roaming game animals is part of South Africa’s competitive advantage as a tourism and hunting destination. However, irresponsible practices negate the positive aspects of our extensive game areas.

Responsible hunters want free roaming game animals. Such animals offer hunting in its best form as well as a healthy protein source that is free from remedies that are a necessity in livestock production. Game meat produced in agricultural type production systems where remedies are required to address increased parasite loads associated with small enclosures, detracts from the benefits consumers have already associated with free ranging, healthy game meat. SAHGCA believes there is a huge potential to grow the game meat market, but it should be labeled and certified as free ranging.  

For more information please contact SAHGCA President Dr Gerhard Verdoorn on 082 446 8946. 

Illegal poisoning of wildlife on the increase

The recent death of vultures, Blue Cranes, Brown Hyenas and other wildlife due to illegal poisoning should be a wake-up call for South African conservation authorities, law enforcement agencies and conservationists. While rhinos faced a grave poaching threat, other equally important wildlife species, especially scavengers and predators are at risk of joining rhinos on the route of steep decline if the current spate of illegal poisoning continues.

The death of sixty-six vultures in the Lowveld was confirmed by toxicological analysis as a poisoning case; at least one carbamate pesticide was detected in the analysis. More recent incidents in which ungulates were snared and their carcasses poisoned to kill vultures for traditional medicine are just the tip of the iceberg. In 2012 mass poisoning of Blue Cranes occurred in the Karoo. This is yet, unresolved.

 Recently farmers reported that at least sixteen Brown Hyenas died probably as a result of poisoning in the Limpopo Province, and earlier this year Black-Backed Jackals were deliberately poisoned in the Addo Elephant National Park. Poisoned baits aimed at rhinos are often found in the Kruger National Park and Associated Private Nature Reserves. Fortunately, no rhinos have been poisoned to date in this important conservation area. Unfortunately many of the wildlife poisoning incidents become “cold cases” as the culprits are never found.

Deliberate poisoning of wildlife is definitely on the increase. Some of the poisonings are committed by poachers who kill wildlife for traditional medicine; vultures are mostly targeted for their heads that are used in divination. Lions have also allegedly been poisoned for their bones as part of the lion bone trade that services the Far East. Elephants have been poisoned in Zimbabwe to obtain their ivory, probably also for the lucrative illegal ivory trade in the Far East.

What is of grave concern is the illegal use of pesticides and other poisons such as sodiummonofluoroacetate by livestock and wildlife owners to kill predators. Despite a concerted effort by the livestock industry driven Predation Management Forum (PMF) to offer farmers alternatives to poisoning predators, some individuals do not heed to warnings to refrain from illegal use of pesticides and poisons. Provincial conservation agencies have warned that the liberal distribution and use of sodiummonofluoroacetate (also known as Compound 1080) is illegal, and should any retailer or landowner be found in possession of it, they will be prosecuted. There is reason to believe that vultures in the Eastern Cape and the sixteen Brown Hyenas in Limpopo were poisoned with Compound 1080; further investigations are geared to identify the particular toxins that were used to kill these animals.

State departments are at a loss for funds to conduct toxicological analysis and often request the Griffon Poison Information Centre to fund such analyses. Villa Crop Protection, one of the largest agricultural remedy suppliers in the country supports the center with financial backing to conduct toxicological analysis. Villa MD, Dr André Schreuder says, “Illegal poisoning of wildlife is a huge risk not only to South Africa’s natural environment, but also to agriculture. 

Many of our important products are deliberately misused to poison animals. It creates a negative perception of agricultural remedies if criminals misuse them to poison wildlife. Villa is determined to undermine individuals who poison wildlife illegally by supporting investigations into their crimes”. Tommy Fraser, a director of Villa Crop Protection, game farmer and conservationist believes that a concerted effort is required from conservationists, farmers and law enforcement agencies to stem the poisoning of wildlife: “poisoning is like a death warrant to all life forms. It hits far beyond the scope of the intended target. If nothing is done, we may not see our rare birds like vultures fly into the 22^nd Century”.

Livestock owners that experience stock losses due to predation are likely to consider poison as a remedy. Only the poison collar is legal and only after a permit is obtained from the conservation authorities. It is well known that aldicarb, carbofuran, methomyl and Compound 1080 are illegally used to poison predators. The results are devastating and over the past two years many vultures have perished at the hands of those who lay out poisoned baits.

The Griffon Poison Information Centre endeavors to rid the country of illegal poisoning. Its supporters, many of which are farmers, are gathering intelligence on those individuals who illegally poison wildlife. On the other hand it is offering a hand of assistance via the Predation Management Forum to mitigate predation. Information and assistance from www.pmfsa.co.za.

Any information about illegal wildlife poisoning maybe called into 082-446-8946 or nesher@tiscali.co.za.

For more information, call Dr Gerhard Verdoorn on 082-446-8946

Age determination - cattle, sheep and goats

Sheep age 

You will not be able to determine the exact age of the animal from is teeth – there will be a few months either way. It is important not to confuse temporary teeth in a year old animal, which has not yet started teething, with an adult sheep that is 4 years of age (“full mouth”).  The more mature characteristics of the face will be helpful.

 Ageing is done according to the following formula for sheep (and goats):-

                        15 months (1 year)            ± 3 months                        =          2 TOOTH (2 permanent teeth)

24 months (2 years)           ± 3 months                        =          4 TOOTH

33 months (3 years)           ± 3 months                        =          6 TOOTH

42 months (4 years)           ± 3 months                        =          8 TOOTH (Full-mouth)(Volbek)

Gummer (Slytbek) (6-8 years)                                    =          Old, stumpy teeth (or very long teeth, if little wear   takes place)

Cattle age 

Correct way to check sheep and goats
The lifting of lips to expose the teeth should take place in such a way as to prevent unnecessary stress to the animal.  Use index and middle finger or thumb preferably.

Keep your clip clean

Wool can and should be marketed as a natural, environmentally-friendly quality fiber. Anything that undermines this image can lead to consumer resistance and have a negative effect on the marketability and price of wool.

Contamination of wool by foreign objects – like black hair, bale twine, wire, bolts, cigarette butts, matches, dog hair, pieces of cloth – pose a serious threat to the long-term sustainability and profitability of wooled sheep farming.

Contamination of wool can result in big claims against buyers or processors, and damages the reputation of the clip.

Hard objects in a bale can damage core sampling and wool processing machines, while deviating fibers (black hair, Kemp) can spoil meters of fabric as these only show up at the final stage of processing.

In addition, increasing worldwide antipathy towards any form of pollution, and stricter regulations, particularly by the European Union, about environmental pollution, are putting pressure on the wool industry to eliminate chemical contaminants and ensure that pesticide-free wool products reach the market.

The main sources of contamination are:

·           Foreign objects originating in the shearing shed, e.g. fertilizer bags, baling twine, pieces of metal, clothing, cigarette butts, etc.

·                     Wool packs containing loose material, usually fibers.

·                     Sheep branding inks and certain wound dressing containing discoloring compounds.

·                     Colored fiber resulting from crossbreeding or non-woolled sheep breeds running with Merino sheep.

·                     Residues from pesticides used for the treatment of external parasites on sheep

What producers should do to prevent contamination

 

In the shearing shed:

It is vitally important for all producers to maintain good management principles in the shearing shed to avoid contamination prior to classing and packing. No matter how well-classed the clip, if it is contaminated with baling twine or other foreign objects, the buyer will penalize it.

·                     Clean the shed thoroughly before shearing commences and store away any tools, bolts and other metal objects.

·                     In order to minimize possible contamination with animal hair, feathers, baling twine, etc., ensure that the holding pens are clean.

·                     Educate shearing team and workers about the dangers of contamination.

·                     Provide a rubbish bin with a lid for cigarette buts and other rubbish.

·                     Ensure that proper supervision is exercised during shearing.

·                     No dogs or other animals should be allowed in the shed.

·                     Use a rubber rake rather than an ordinary broom with hair in the shearing shed.

·                     Never use jute bags in the shearing shed, be it for wiping feet or sharpening the shears on.  Rather use carton, paper or a piece of sheepskin.

·                     Never use baling twine in the shearing shed, even for hanging tools or other gadgets against the wall.

·                     Make sure that shearers don’t use twine for their shears.

·                     Shearers should preferably not be allowed to sleep in the shearing shed.

·                     Always shear purebred woolled sheep first.

During shearing and classing: 

·                     Wool stained with branding ink, tar, urine, dung, blood, paints or discolored by fungi or chemicals must be removed before shearing, packed separately and marked as “Brands”

·                     Remove all bloodstained wool during the shearing process.

·                     Request the shearers to remove pieces of skin cut off during shearing. Skin pieces quickly become dry and hard and can damage carding machines.

·                     Topknots and cheek wool can contain hairy fibers and must, therefore, be packed with the lox, irrespective of how long and attractive they look.

·                     Colored fibers are often found around the horns and should not be packed with bellies or pieces to prevent contamination. 

Timetable - Cultivated pastures (South Africa)

Sheep on Lucerne - Skape op Lusern

Rooster - Aangeplante Weiding

Die koeie vreet mengsel van groen lusern, groen hawer/ryegrass, mieliemeel, sojaoliekoek, katoensaad en minerale. 57% kragvoer teenoor 43% ruvoer op DM basis bereken. - Gerdie Landman - Mooimelk Koeihotel, Kookhuis, Oos-Kaap. 

Veld Management Guidelines

Veld is a word used in South Africa for natural vegetation that animals graze for food. The grass, bushes, and trees in the veld provide valuable food for cattle, sheep, goats, and wild animals.

The following guidelines will contribute to a successful veld management program:

1.  Know the various grass species and their grazing/nutritional value.

2. Accept that all grasses are not suitable for grazing. Palatable perennial grasses should be utilized as the main source of feeding.

3.  Accept that good animal production can only be obtained, when animals have access to sufficient good palatable (tasty) grass.

4.    Plan the farm and make camps according to differences in veld types and animal preferences.

5.    Apply the correct stocking rate by adapting animal numbers to the current veld and climate conditions.

6.   It is essential for veld to be rested during the growing season to build up reserves and for seed production and the establishment of seedlings. Remember, rotational grazing does not imply necessarily the resting of veld and for #sweetveld a full growing season resting period is recommended.

7.      Keep record of the number of animals and the number of days a camp is grazed. 

Important:

1)         Veld must periodically rest for full growing season.

2)         Short, protein rich grass for increased sheep performance.

3)         Combine 1 & 2 in a veld management system to:

*          Maintain veld vigour and carrying capacity.

*          Increase animal performance.

Ensure sufficient roughage in a cost effective veld-based feed flow program.

Stock Theft Hints

   VERY IMPORTANT

v      Count your livestock REGULARLY.

v      Report  ALL stock theft cases IMMEDIATELY.

v      Keep a controlled LIVESTOCK REGISTER.

v      MARK your stock accordingly.

                           

 Ø  Livestock-owners should keep all fences & gates in proper condition to protect their livestock. The employment of a specially trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling. He can see to it that holes in & under fences are repaired at once. Inspect these reparations yourself.

 Ø   Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from     direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed  at all times.

 Ø If you consider buying an additional farm, remember, “absentee landlords gather no crops”.  Rather try & buy close to your residential farm. 

 Ø Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight     stopovers to hide stolen livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to   the SAPS.

Ø    Livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock-owner him-/herself at least once a week.

Ø    If employees at stock posts possess their own animals, a good preventative measure against stock theft, (if involvement of employees is suspected) is to allow the animals to mix & graze together.

Ø     Many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals. If an animal is marked with a registered brand mark or tattoo, disputes will be avoided. Employees should properly mark their livestock, according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.

Ø    Be particularly watchful during full moon, weekends & at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from your own experience, when stock thefts (slaughtering for the pot) occur.

Ø    Report unknown animals among your animals immediately to the SAPS & your neighbours.

Ø    Livestock-owners should at all times report all livestock theft cases on their property immediately. The longer the delay, the less the possibility of achieving success. An additional case of cruelty to animals can also be made.

Ø   The regular herding & counting of animals are of obvious importance. Also check up upon your employees' livestock. If it is not possible to count your livestock everyday, try counting your animals at least twice a week on irregular days. Avoid any routines, especially at stock posts, as your employees may be informers to stock thieves.  Shortages & signs indicating possible thefts should immediately be reported. The livestock-owners must count the animals him-/herself & can not leave it to his/her employees to do the counting or to lodge any complaints.  

          

Ø   When considering applicants for employment, enquiries should be made at previous employers to establish the real reason why an employee had left his previous work. Enquiries should also be lodged at the SAPS to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record.  Establish what kind of criminal record the applicant has.

Ø   Employees should be trained to pay attention to irregularities. Ask your employees to watch what they say about activities on the farm in the presence of strangers. Careless talk can lead to livestock losses.

Ø   Report immediately to your Stock Theft Unit when animal speculators & hide & bone buyers or livestock dealers from neighbouring countries are active in your area. Keep proper record of all prospective livestock buyers as soon as you enter negotiations.

Ø   The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasised enough. Commit to paper as much details as possible and keep the register up to date yourself.

Ø   Do not allow loitering on the farm or any idle & unemployed people to settle on your property. Strangers entering the farm or visiting labourers should first obtain your permission.  Implement a visitors control system, wherein all particulars of visitors to the farm are noted, whom they’re visiting & when they’re leaving.

Ø   It often happens that border livestock-owners become involved with illegal trade with citizens of neighbouring countries in some or other way like the renting of grazing pastures. There are legal steps that must be taken in this regard, but if not taken, such actions can create the ideal climate for other crimes & stock theft.

Ø   It often happens that stock theft cases have to be withdrawn due to a lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings. Show interest in solved cases & attend all court cases.

Ø   Cooperate with the local SAPS & Stock Theft Unit, & not against them.  Support them in their efforts to help you.

 SOUTH AFRICAN CONTACT DETAILS

Contact your local Police Station or Stock Theft Unit.        

Stock Theft Unit (Head Office)

Telephone number: 012 393119

Fax: 012 3931548

Email: stuhoops@saps.gov.za